December Democratic debate: Time, channel and why candidates almost skipped

The sixth debate featuring the Democratic presidential candidates will take place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

Seven hopefuls, the smallest number this far for a debate this primary season, have qualified: billionaire Tom Steyer, Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, former Vice President Joe Biden, South Bend, Ind., Mayor Pete Buttigieg and entrepreneur Andrew Yang.